Following the refusal of two previous planning applications to radically change an ageing hotel in Cornwall by adding lodges and an infinity pool, its owners have submitted “significantly” revised plans after saying they have listened to the concerns of the local community, writes Local Democracy Reporter Lee Trewhela

Hotel Meudon at Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth, is also appealing the last refusal in November 2023 alongside the new plans for the “sensitive enhancement” of the hotel and historic gardens.

The original proposals by Kingfisher Resorts Group, which owns the hotel, proved deeply unpopular with local residents and Mawnan Smith Parish Council, with almost 200 people commenting against the plans online. Protesters even attended the planning meeting last year which saw the plans thrown out.

Concerns about the effect on an area of outstanding natural beauty, now the Cornwall National Landscape, were the main reasons for refusal.

Kingfisher Resorts now hopes the revised submission will address the majority of previous objections, while still delivering “a range of greatly enhanced facilities and a raft of benefits for local residents”.

How another of the new accommodation units would look at Hotel Meudon How another of the new accommodation units would look at Hotel Meudon (Image: Kingfisher Resorts)

“We were surprised and dismayed by the local opposition to the last submission, which had planning officer support,” said Nigel Chapman, chairman of Kingfisher Resorts. “But we appreciate that the hotel is situated in a highly sensitive area of natural beauty. It’s therefore incredibly important that any development is well-managed and carefully considered.

“Having taken on board all of the comments, we are confident that the revised plans will enable Hotel Meudon to remain at the heart of the community as a viable business. With a horticultural legacy dating back to the early 1800s, we don’t take our stewardship of the gardens lightly. However, without the proposed development it will be financially impossible for the hotel to continue to operate or maintain this peerless subtropical paradise.

How the new restaurant at the Hotel Meudon could lookHow the new restaurant at the Hotel Meudon could look (Image: Kingfisher Resorts)

“This is why we have also lodged the appeal. However, if we are able to get support for the scaled down plans this will negate the need to go ahead with the appeal.”

Modifications to the latest plans include a reduction in the number of accommodation units from ten to six, with the more contentious plots omitted to ensure no impact on the surrounding landscape views. The adjacent field has also been removed from the application.

If the application is successful, benefits will include priority leisure membership for local residents to a new year-round, outdoor heated 20m infinity edged swimming pool. A casual dining restaurant will be added to the current offering, and it is envisaged that a further 30-plus jobs will be created.